The Best Whisk(e)y to Gift for Christmas

Whisky really comes into its own at this time of year, so we wanted to highlight some of our favourites that we thought would make great gifts for Christmas - as well as brilliant bottles to keep by your side through the winter. Many of these are also in our super-duper festive giveaway so once you’ve ordered your gifts, make sure you enter here!

Heroes & Heretics, Stateside 8 Year Old Whiskey

H&H are experts in sourcing the very finest whiskies and spirits, acquiring them at the best moments and prices to be able to offer some special kit. They specialise in many kinds of sips from Scotch, to American whiskey to rum. We love their Stateside 8YO Whiskey with its vibrant notes of peach, spice and vanilla. 

ABV: 51%
Size: 70cl
Buy here: £86.95

Waterford Single Farm Origin - Sheestown 1.1

Sheestown is the first batch of single malt Irish whisky from Waterford made using grain from Sheestown grown on a single farm by Phillip O'Brien. It’s part of the Single Farm Origin series, which explores the impact that terroir can have on a whisky, using barley grown on single farms around Ireland. It’s also one of several great whiskeys also in our giveaway along with Pilgrimage: First Cuvee, Organic 1.1, Ballymorgan 1.1 and Bannow 1.2.

ABV: 50%
Size: 70cl
Buy here: £69.95

The Glenturret Triple Wood Scotch Whisky

The Glenturret have seriously upped their game recently both with their whiskies and their stunning new bottles (see Colin’s piece here.) The non-age statement Triple Wood, which uses ex-bourbon, American sherry casks and European sherry casks, knocked us sideways with its great mix of vanilla, spice, and both sweet and dry oaky notes. Yum!

ABV: 43%
Size: 70cl
Buy here: £46.45

Arbikie Highland Rye Single Grain Scotch Whisky Release 2

Arbikie is the only Scotch Rye whisky in the world! Records show that rye grain was used in scotch whisky production until the late 19th century and these guys revived the tradition. Aged four years, this is a limited edition single grain whisky that’s flavoursome, powerful and tropical. With its copper pot distillation and maturation in first-fill charred American Oak casks and enriched in Armagnac barrels, it is different and delicious!

ABV: 46%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £188.95

Masthouse Single Malt Whisky

The inaugural whisky from Copper Rivet is finally here. Having tasted the spirit along the way, we were very excited about this release. Made from barley grown in Kent and implementing a long fermentation to give a fruity spirit, this is delicious whisky. Having used first fill Bourbon and virgin oak casks, orchard fruits in abundance, touches of tropical fruits, some ginger spice and a little chocolate on the mid palate giving way to pepper and toasty oak on the finish. It's a young whisky but is ready to be enjoyed by all.

ABV: 45%
Size: 50cl
Pre Order: £45

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Illicit Still

The 12 year old, Illicit Still from The Glenlivet is a single malt inspired by the illicit origins of whisky distilling in the 1800s and how its founder, George Smith, illegally distilled whisky in the remote Glenlivet valley and gradually created that fruity, aromatic style that Speyside is now famous for. Think fruity peach, poached pear, caramel and tropical notes. Super special.

ABV: 48%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £49.99

Abelour 12 Year

Fans of Abelour adore its zesty, crisp style and this 12 year old adds beautiful layers to that mix, mellowing the citrus with its double cask maturation and finishing in Sherry butts. Smooth and sweet, this is a great choice for whisky novices. Bottled at 40% abv for an easy drinking style.

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £39.95 // US $59.99

Royal Salute Whisky - Snow Polo Edition 

Named in tribute to the Queen on her coronation day, Royal Salute is famed for its fantastic blends. This new snow polo edition however, is a blended grain, made to celebrate the sport of snow polo. Think lots of cooking spices, a hint of coffee bean, apple pie and honey. Delicious. 

ABV: 46.5%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £160.27 // US $250

Macallan 18 Double Cask

Who doesn’t love a Macallan? The Double Cask is matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks, which add delightful, sweet notes of vanilla, chocolate fudge and fruitcake with a kick of ginger. Stunning.

ABV: 43%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £250 // US £339.99

The Dalmore -  King Alexander III

This one-of-a-kind whisky was matured in no less than six types of cask: red wine, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, Kentucky bourbon and Port casks. It has the rich, fudgy, fruitness of Dalmore’s quintessential highland style with homely notes of cereal, milk chocolate and ripe orchard fruit, freshened up by a twist of orange peel on the finish, Beautiful! 

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: UK £170 // US $279.99

Looking for some different ‘drinkspiration’? Make sure to check out our wine, gin and luxury gift guides!

10 of the Best American Whiskeys to Discover

Words by Aidy Smith

In case you couldn’t tell… I LOVE my whiskey and whisky. My drinks journey began when I was living in California, so I had incredible access to some of the best bourbons, ryes and whatever other form of whiskey you can name coming from across the country. That’s where I fell in love with this glorious drink and the so many different expressions it encompasses. So, today’s aim is quite simple – I want you to discover some of my absolute favourite whiskeys coming out of the United States so you can enjoy them exactly how you like to – whether neat, with ice or as part of a cocktail like an old fashioned. The possibilities are endless.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 

Whenever the words ‘double oaked’ appear, I get a little bit excited. Place those words next to ‘Woodford Reserve’ and a whole new level is reached. Woodford has been producing exceptional bourbons for decades and is always one of my go-to choices. When I want something a little more special, I hit up the double-oaked for a reason. Rich, sumptuous and naughty with a soft, sweet and spicy nature all wrapped up in one. Dark fruits combine with a sensuously divine dark caramel chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and marzipan. The journey continues to evolve with baked apples in honey, toasted oak, dry spices and creamy lingering vanilla oak on the finish.  

ABV: 43.2%
Size: 700ml
Price: £48 / $57

Elijah Craig Small Batch 

Reverend Elijah Craig was somewhat of a genius. He was the first drink pioneer to utilize charred oak barrels as a means for ageing his whiskey. The result? Well, given that’s what we know bourbon as today, I’d say it went down pretty damn well. Small Batch makes the list for 2 major reasons. Firstly, it tastes great and secondly, it’s affordable. With its rich, smoky, sweet vanilla spice interlaced alongside nutmeg, fresh mint and sweet plush stone fruits, what’s not to love?

ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Price: £40 //$32

Westland Garryana

Say hello to one of the finest examples of American Single Malt Whiskey and by god is it delicious. Sitting snugly in the heart of Seattle, Westland sources it’s barely from two of the best regions for this grain in the world and their water is sourced from the Cascade Mountains. Everything comes from within Washington, no compromise.

While the core range includes three varieties; American Oak and Sherry Wood being two of them, I’ve decided to showcase “Peated”. A far cry from the shores of Islay and Jura, this American example packs a punch of its own. Many peated whiskeys will use 100% peated malt, the result of which brings a rich heavy smoke to the whiskey, but in this beauty non-peated malts are used, locally grown in Washington State in a ratio that actually outweighs the peated Malt. The result is a vibrant nose of smoked orange peel, roasted banana and kindred almonds, with the taste giving you a variety of green herbs, roasted pistachio nuts and a distinct campfire smoke.

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Price: £65 // $79

Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

I love a good small batch, especially when it actually is that. Basically, each batch of this stunner is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels. Because there’s no room for ‘blending out’ – you’re left with a rich spirit designed to taste exactly how it was intended to.

Created at Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, this radiant bourbon expresses notes of toffee apple, burnt caramel, banana bread and dried apricots. It’s rich, it’s spicy, it’s full of ripe fruits and vanilla oak and quite frankly, it belongs in your glass. Try this in your next Old Fashioned… damn! 

ABV: 45.7%
Size: 700ml
Price: £55 // $47

Distillery 291 Single Barrel Rye

This wonder is finished in heavenly Aspen staves after being placed in white American oak barrels for initial ageing. The result? A unique maple glaze which totally elevates the bar of curiosity to the next level. Given its mash bill is made up of 61% malted rye and 39% corn, there’s an assortment of truly unique notes. Small batch, with a big personality. You can expect sweet vanilla oak, coconut, maple syrup, clover, cinnamon, dark meadow fruits and cherry candy. Nom Nom ;)

ABV: 50.8%
Size: 700ml
Price: £87 // $76

Angel’s Envy

Angel’s Envy just recently arrived in the UK, but our friends in the US have been able to sip it for a while now (cue the envy!). The name is taken from ‘angel’s share’ – the notorious evaporation of spirit due to the climate and general atmosphere of where the barrels are stored. It’s catchy, I dig it.

What makes this liquid stand out from many others is the fact it is finished in ex-port casks, giving it a beautifully sticky dark plum vanilla element to it. This isn’t something you often find in Bourbon land, so we’ve been sitting eagerly awaiting its availability and now we have it! I have to say, I’m always suitably impressed by a dram of this stuff, it doesn’t disappoint whether sipping solo or as part of a variety of cocktails. It’s got personality, that’s for sure.  

What should you expect from the flavour then? Dried orange rind, cinnamon sticks and creamy plum vanilla with red berries, dark chocolate and a little kick of baking spices.

ABV: 43.3%
Size: 70cl
Price: £57 // $54

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select

Jack Daniel’s are one of the most famous names in whiskey on a worldwide level and while the standard ‘Jack’ hits the spot at a value level, it’s the Single Barrel range that truly shines in the spotlight for me. Single Barrel is crafted with love and affection and boy oh boy does that show on the taste.  Rich toasty notes of oak, dried apricots and honey glazed fruits sit alongside a cinnamon popcorn, white pepper and Christmas cake spice that escapes from the glass as soon as its poured. I call this my nostalgia whiskey and for the money you pay – it’s sure to create some happy memories.

ABV: 47%
Size: 750ml
Price: £44 // $53

Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

Here’s part of the 5% of American Whiskey made outside of Kentucky, sourced all the way from Minnesota and guess what?! It’s organic too! KOVAL combines all American corn with an ingredient you may not have read about too much, Millet. This gluten-free cereal comes from Asia and Africa and is a staple ingredient for spirits in Nepal, of all places. Here, the two work side by side to create something wonderfully unique and I mean, there really isn’t anything quite like it. The nose gives harmonious notes of mango chutney and vanilla while the palate produces custard, apricots and nectarines (I told you it was very different!). Peppery chocolate comes into play before a lingering clove, tobacco and orange finish. If you want an experience, you just found it.  

ABV: 47%
Size: 750ml
Price: £62 // $50

Sonoma Distilling Co.'s Cherrywood Rye

There are very few Cherrywood Rye whiskeys on the planet, this one being one of the absolute top ones out there. A true benchmark of the quality that can be expected by utilising this wood source for ageing. Sonoma Distilling Co. has never shied away from experimentation and this one really worked wonders. Using a base of 80% Californian rye, 10% Californian wheat and 10% cherrywood smoked barley gives it a distinct and exceptional taste. If you want to venture off the beaten path and discover something new and exciting – here’s your choice. Take a sip to explore stewed meadow fruits, caramelized sugar, ripe blackberry and allspice with ginger, cinnamon, orange rind, toasted nuts and a ton of brown sugar.  

ABV: 47.8%
Size: 750ml
Price: £55 // $45

Maker’s Mark 46

Maker’s Mark has always been one of my favourite quality-for-value whiskies given its price point and I’m continually in awe of how tasty it is. The ’46’ became their first ‘wood finishing’ whiskey, created to really amplify the existing flavours of their original. Fully matured at cask strength, they then utilise 10 seared virgin French oak staves into the barrels to finish them for a further 9 weeks. The result is a bolder, more complex whiskey with lots of vanilla, caramel, red plum and cinnamon. Exceptional taste without breaking the bank!

ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Price: £37 // $40